Khesari Lal Yadav Slams Caste-Based Encounter Debate

Patna, May 22 – In a clear rejection of caste politics in policing, Bhojpuri icon Khesari Lal Yadav has stated that an offender must be identified only by their crime, not by their caste. Speaking after Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s statement that police should ask for caste before firing, Yadav said such remarks only deepen social divisions. He clarified that while he respects the Chief Minister’s views, he prefers to stay away from political commentary. The actor’s intervention comes at a time when Bihar is witnessing intense political sparring over alleged caste bias in police encounters. Yadav’s words are being seen as an attempt to bring focus back to the core issue of law and order rather than community identities. In the same interview, Yadav expressed serious concern over the nation’s economic health. He compared the present crisis to the difficult days following demonetization, pointing out that continuous price hikes in fuel and essential commodities are squeezing household budgets. Because of this, he has chosen to delay releasing his upcoming films, believing that audiences are currently more focused on survival than on cinema. Yadav called on affluent sections of society, including celebrities and business leaders, to step forward with meaningful contributions instead of placing the burden of sacrifice solely on the poor. His comments underline the widening disconnect between policy rhetoric and everyday struggles faced by common citizens.